Trusting Independence

It only seems fitting that this week we celebrate our country’s independence and the ratification of the Spark Studio rules, in fact now known as the Spark Studio Constitution. After learning about the process of creating the US Constitution and how this important document has and can be amended, learners revisited their rules and took stock of what is and isn’t working and what freedoms need protecting. The result was beautifully messy democracy. Instead of 9 rules, learners amended and ratified 14 studio laws and agreed on consequences of breaking the law. All learners signed their name to their Constitution agreeing to both follow the rules and enforce the rules. 

So, what happens when learners are given the responsibility of upholding their rules? You guessed it, conflict emerges yet not too far behind courage follows.

Here’s examples of both. During morning Core Skills three learners were off task and causing distractions in the studio. After chatter increased, two learners perked up and assumed the charge to uphold the law. First a warning, then circle back two minutes, warning number two. The law breakers continued their behavior and the law enforcers meant business. “I already gave you more than two reminders and you didn’t learn. I was nice but now you owe an Owl Buck and I have to pick your work space” The accused responded  “No, I don’t have to listen to you!” Enforcer responded “Yes, you do, we all must follow the law!” A bit more arguing continued. One law breaker accepted his consequence fairly yet the other decided to keep fighting. The heat went on and in the end both agreed they needed witnesses in order to prove their case, no witnesses came forward. 

After experiencing conflict the law breaking learner worked independently for awhile yet soon enough his friends began to distract him. “Hey, you guys need to do focused work, please don’t distract me, we all need to follow the law.” Courage. It takes courage to stand up and follow the law. It takes courage to stand up for yourself and your own learning and help others follow the law too. They are in this together and our beautiful group of heroes are navigating their independence and Acton democracy!